I got a 1989 240 DL a few weeks ago and have gone thru it getting the deferred maintenance up to date and repairinging any issues I found. The car runs great...but it always has to crank for 4-5 seconds before starting. Hot, cold, doesn't matter. It was this way when i got it and it is still the same. Is this normal? The fuel pumps don't come on when the key is turned to "on" like other EFI cars I've had; they dont start up until the crankshaft is turning. Is there a timer or second relay somewhere?

 

The fuel pump should run 1-2 seconds when the key is turned to the II position. At least mine does (and my '89 did as well). Check the fuel pump relay. They have a reputation for developing minute cracks in the solder joints of the little circuit board of the relay. You can find the relay behind the glove compartment near where the ECU is. It is usually white or gray. Pull it out, pop the plastic cover off and re-flow the solder joints with a soldering iron.

If that doesn't work, it could be possible that the fuel pump circuit in the ECU is weak and is failing. I don't know if it would produce the symptoms you are seeing but the '89s came with a "pink label" ECU which has a reputation for failing. I don't know the part number of the bad ECUs but it has a pink label on it. The pink label one can be replaced with the "white label" ECU from a later model 240, 740 or 940. If you do a search here on pink label, you might be able to find the exact part number for the ECU that is compatible.

Also, while you are at it, check out the in-tank pump as well. Here is a good site that explains how to do it:

In the Tank - 240 Volvo Tank Pump and Sender

 

Thanks. I should have said earlier that the fuek pump relay, in-tank pump, feul filter, pressure regulator, and temp sensor are all new. Also cleaned throttle body, flame trap, oil separator, etc. New timing belt and valve adjust. Ignition system all good as well.

I'll look for the pink label on the ECU. That is what I suspected.

 

Your battery and or starter may be getting weak.

 

new doesn't always mean working right. I would verify those components are funcitoning properly. the pumps definitely should come on for 1-2 seconds when the key is first switched to position II (on). they aren't always audible from the drivers seat, you need to have someone ELSE turn on / off / on the key, while you listen with your nose under the car, and again with your ear to the open gas cap to listen for the in-tank pump.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. I took a look, and sure enough, I have the pink label 561 ECU.
The main feul pump works because it was the only one working when I got the car. The in-tank pump is loud enough I can easily hear it from the driver's seat. In fact, when cranking the starter I can hear the pump come on and immediately after the engine starts. Definitely no pump action at key "on".
Hmmm. Guess I better start shopping for a new ECU.